Improvement in exercising devices



J. E. AU ST! N.

Exercising Devices.

Patentediune24, 1873.

AM PHOTO-LITHOGRAPHIC co. MX (osadR/vs's macsss.)

UNITED STATES PATENT FFIGE.

JAMES E. AUSTIN, OF PHILADELPHIA,PENNSYLVANIA.

IMPROVEMENT IN EXERCISING DEVICES.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 10,237, dated June 24, 1873; application filed March18, 1873.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, JAMES E. AUSTIN, of the city'and county of Philadelphia and State of Pennsylvania, have invented new and useful Iinprovementsin Exercising Devices; and I do v had to the acompanyin g drawings making part of this specification, in which- Figure 1 is a side elevation of the device embodying my invention, and Fig. 2 is a view illustrating the operation thereof.

Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the several figures.

This invention consists of two handles and an elastic connection for the same, so as to form a durable and serviceable apparatus for the purposes of exercising, a confining-strap being attached to one handle to prevent slipping of the latter.

Referring to the drawings, A A represent two handles, which may be of well-known form and construction. B represents an endless spring, which consists of a loop or band of rubber, or other material, which is placed around the two handles at proper distances apart, and retained thereon by straps or fastenings a, which allow movement ofthe spring on the handle, without, however, permitting the displacement thereof. 0 represents an elastic strap, which is connected by its ends to the handle A, and forms a loop for the insertion of the feet of the operator.

7 The feet of the operator are placed in the loop 0 on the handle A, one face of which is preferably flattened, and his hands grasp the other handle, A. In this position the operator, keeping his feet and limbs as immovable as possible, begins by drawing and distending the elastic connection, and then permitting the contraction thereof. The reciprocations constitute the exercising movements, which may be continued as long as desired.

The device is equally applicable, whether the operator is standing, sitting, or lying. In the latter cases the feet may be elevated or rested on the heels, and in the former case placed on the floor with the weight of the operator thereon, and for variety the operafor may be seated 011 a chair or the floor, and likewise exercise in other positions, as may be deemed necessary or desirable.

It will be seen that the construction of parts is such 'that there is no screwing, nailing, or piercing of the spring to attach it to the handles, and consequently no weakening thereof. When the band or spring wears out at one place it is moved or slipped around past the worn spot, and a new portion takes the place of the worn part, so that the wear is uniform.

The strap 0 prevents slipping of the handle A from the soles of the boots or shoes of the wearer and the consequent displacement thereof.

I am aware that it is not new to employ a rubber band with a loop at each end for attachment of the handles, and therefore disclaim such feature.

Having now described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure. by Letters Patent, is-- The exercising device, consisting of the handles A A, connected by the movable end less band B, held in place by the keepers a a, the handle A being provided with the footstrap (3, substantially as and for the purpose described.

The above signed by me this 12th day of March, A. D. 1873.

JAMES E. AUSTIN.

Witnesses:

JOHN A. WIEDIERSHEIM, MILLARD F. WALTON. 

